Park Hyatt Siem Reap

Hidden behind white walls marked only by an understated sign in gold serif lettering, the Park Hyatt retains a bit of mystery from the outside. But once inside, visitors are struck by its stunning elegance. The entry, an austere hexagonal room bordered by rose-colored wingback chairs, soars up four columned floors. It's minimalist design and trademark style is courtesy of renowned architect and designer Bill Bensley, who designed the original hotel here and the Hyatt's renovation. Beyond this room, check in takes place in the clubby Living Room -- a dark den with espresso-colored bookshelves, rose-colored velvet chairs, and herringbone-patterned hardwood floors. The most striking public space, the Courtyard, provides the only real outdoor area aside from the swimming pools. Centered on a large and atmospheric banyan tree set in a square pool of water, the Courtyard is fenced in by a rectangular, shaded terrace, complete with hanging daybeds (another Bensley trademark) that can be used for outdoor dining. And one heartwarming detail, the tapestries that grace the walls are done by a weaving cooperative comprised of landmine victims, and many of the fine artistic items in the hotel come through partnerships with local NGO and community help groups. At night, this area is lit by torches, and on most evenings live traditional Apsara dance performances are held here. The overall effect is an ultra-elegant urban retreat, despite being smack in the center of downtown. 

Possibly, the most centrally positioned hotel in town, the Park Hyatt Siem Reap is located about halfway down Sivatha Road, the main street running from the national road to the Old Market. The hotel is a five-minute walk to the Night Market, Pub Street, and access to hundreds of restaurants, bars, and shops. The Lucky Mall is just up the street, and there's a supermarket and gas station just across the road. It's a 15-minute drive to the international airport from here as well as to the Angkor Wat temples. The only drawback of this location is the busy traffic out on the main street. However, the Park Hyatt hides behind its large walls, and once inside, guests are completely insulated from noise, traffic, and everything else.

As expected, all rooms at the Park Hyatt Siem Reap are supremely elegant and blend Khmer and contemporary decor. A wash of neutral textiles and warm woods, the guest rooms are furnished with tasteful details. Every headboard is crowned with a sculptural banyan tree, and large paintings of the Angkor temples adorn the walls. Chrome swing-arm lamps and black ceiling fans are some of the decorative fixtures. Even standard Park Rooms are spacious and include a seating area of long cushioned benches. Top-shelf amenities include Nespresso machines, irons and ironing boards, safes, and stocked minibars. All rooms also have up-to-date tech comforts, like flat-screen TVs; DVD players; free Wi-Fi; wall-mounted media hubs for Bluetooth, Smart Phone, video, audio, and PC plug-ins; and lights and curtains controlled by electronic switches. The Italian-marble bathrooms are equally attractive and beautifully turned out with double vessel sinks, rain showers, and separate soaking tubs positioned by a sliding window connecting to the main room. About the only thing lacking here are views. Park Rooms look out at drab glimpses of the town, while next level Park View Rooms overlook the courtyard. There are no balconies or terraces. 

The Park Hyatt Siem Reap has excellent facilities befitting its luxury status. For fine dining, the upscale Dining Room serves a sumptuous buffet breakfasts then switches to provincial French and high-end Khmer cuisine for dinner. The most intimate tables here are located in an alcoved space a few steps above the main dining room surrounded by colorful, almost kitchy paintings (part of hotel designer Bill Bensley's personal collection). The Chef d' Cuisine here also hosts Masters of Food and Wine dinners, which profile traditional Cambodian cooking, and takes diners out to the countryside to see local food production and return for a gourmet meal. Two other dining and drinking options exist at the hotel. The Glasshouse, resembling a conservatory, is a deli and patisserie that opens to the street and serves up homemade ice cream, deli sandwiches, fresh breads and pastries, coffee and tea. And the den-like Living Room, which features custom-designed furniture by Bill Bensley like the iron barstools, serves a mix of comfort food, fine wine, cocktails, and other snacks, and the space also acts as the check-in desk's lounge area.There are two swimming pools at the Park Hyatt. The large free-form, infinity-edge pool has landscaped details like square columns, footbridges, and submerged planters with sprouting greenery. The smaller saltwater pool is under a series of white arches and rimmed in rose-colored marble. Both pools are surrounded by fabric loungers with matching umbrellas. A small, separate kiddy pool has playful, frog-shaped water spigots. A well-equipped fitness center includes a full range of touch-screen cardio machines, and the sizable spa houses a yoga room and a steam room. The hotel can also accommodate groups for conferences or functions in a space called the Gallery, which has rotating art exhibitions in the foyer and a meeting room inside along with its own kitchen.